Collapsible bathtub and wash-basin assembly

ABSTRACT

D R A W I N G OF WHICH ARE FORMED OF FLEXIBLE PLASTIC MATERIAL, IS WITHDRAWN FROM ITS COMPARTMENT AND ERECTED, THE CONSOLE, WHICH RIDES ON A VERTICAL TRACK, MAY BE PULLED DOWN TO SUPPLY WATER INTO THE OPERATIVE FIXTURE.   A COLLAPSIBLE BATHTUB AND WASH-BASIN ASSEMBLY WHICH IS RETRACTABLE WITHIN A STORAGE CABINET. THE CABINET IS PROVIDED WITH A LOWER COMPARTMENT OCCUPIED BY THE WASHBASIN, AN INTERMEDIATE COMPARTMENT OCCUPIED BY THE BATHTUB, AND AN UPPER COMPARTMENT HOUSING A TRAVELING WATER CONSOLE. WHEN EITHER TRHE WASH-BASIN OR THE BATHTUB, BOTH

Oct. 26, 1971 B. B. NEWBURGER 3,614,191

COLLAPSIBLE BATH'I'UB AND WASH-BASIN ASSEMBLY Filed May 15, 1970 V) 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVIL'N'I UR WWI/$108476 Oct. 26, 1971 5, NEWBURGER 3,614,791

COLLAPSIBLE BATHTUB AND WASH-BASIN ASSEMBLY Filed May 15, 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet I Oct. 26, 1971 NEWBURGER 3,614,191

COLLAPSIBLE BATHTUB AND WASH'BASIN ASSEMBLY Filed May 15, 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 34 mvumme.

Beemz Ysweume-e W Anne v 7 Oct. 26, 1971 5, NEWBURGER 3,614,791

COLLAPSIBLE BATHTUB AND WASH-BASIN ASSEMBLY Filed Ray 15, 1970 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVIQITOR. MW

Unlted States Patent Oflice 3,614,791 Patented Oct. 26, 1971 3,614,791 COLLAPSIBLE BATHTUB AND WASH-BASIN ASSEMBLY Babette B. Newburger, 180 E. 79th St., New York, N.Y. 10021 Filed May 15, 1970, Ser. No. 37,719 Int. Cl. A47k 4/00 US. Cl. 4-4 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A collapsible bathtub and wash-basin assembly which is retractable within a storage cabinet. The cabinet is provided with a lower compartment occupied by the washbasin, an intermediate compartment occupied by the bathtub, and an upper compartment housing a traveling water console. When either the wash-basin or the bathtub, both of which are formed of flexible plastic material, is withdrawn from its compartment and erected, the console, which rides on a vertical track, may be pulled down to supply water into the operative fixture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to washing facilities for personal hygiene, and more particularly to a collapsible bathtub and wash-basin which are retractable into a compact storage unit when not in use.

It has been said that personal hygiene is one of the great victories of civilization. Though the early Greeks and later the Romans enjoyed luxurious bathing facilities with heated water, these go further back in antiquity to ancient Egypt, traces thereof being found in prehistoric cities. The remains of private bathing apartment dating from the Minoan period exist in the palaces of Cnossus.

Yet in medieval times, facilities for bathing had declined to a point where an act of personal hygiene is represented in the art of this period as a concession to luxury and as a sign of wealth. While contemporary civilization takes pride in the widespread existence of domestic bathtubs and wash-basins, the fact is that these facilities, which are fairly costly, are often lacking in the homes of the under-privileged. Though one need not be wealthy to own a bathtub, a substantial segment of the population, even in the United States, is unable to afford indoor washing facilities. Indeed, more homes in America have television receivers than bathtubs.

The modern bathroom includes a wash-basin and a tub, both of which are usually fabricated of a metal form having a glazed or ceramic outer layer. Such fixtures require a permanent plumbing installation and a significant amount of space. Where space is scarce, as in a mobile or temporary home, it is not feasible to install conventional bathroom fixtures.

Moreover, existing forms of bathtubs are hazardous, for their hard, slippery surfaces are a common cause of accidents. Thus, in old-age homes and hospitals, many of the accidents encountered are attributable to falls in the bathtub.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, it is the primary object of this invention to provide wash-basins and bathtubs which are collapsible and which are housable in a compact storage unit when not in use.

More specifically it is an object of this invention to provide fold-away bathroom facilities formed of flexible plastic material, which facilities are supported by a retractable frame extending from a compact storage unit, whereby the frame and the tub or other flexible article supported thereby may be returned to the unit.

Also an object of the invention is to provide a flexible plastic bathtub having an upholstered or padded structure affording a high measure of security and effectively eliminating bathtub accidents in the home or wherever else the tub is installed.

Among the salient advantages of the invention are the following:

(A) The unit may be provided in mobile form or permanently installed in a relatively small space at minimal cost.

(B) Because the unit makes use of high-grade flexible plumbing, it may be quickly coupled to existing water and drain facilities.

(C) A damaged or worn plastic fixture may be readily and inexpensively replaced.

Briefly stated, these objects are attained in a compact washing facility comprising an upright storage cabinet having a traveling water console housed therein in an upper compartment and a bathtub and wash-basin fixture both of which are fabricated of flexible, high-strength plastic forms, mounted on a frame and housed in the collapsed state within separate compartments disposed below the upper compartment. The fixture frames are secured to retractable brackets whereby each fixture may be withdrawn from its compartment and erected, at which point the water console may be lowered to a position at which it is capable of supplying water to the operative fixture.

OUTLINE OF THE DRAWING For a better understanding of the invention, as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage unit which houses a collapsible bathtub and wash-basin assembly and a traveling water console in accordance with the invention, the unit being shown in its closed or inactive state;

FIG. 2 shows the same unit, in perspective, with its overhead door partially raised to expose the collapsible bathtub and wash-basin, the sliding door of the upper compartment being open to reveal the water console;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the unit with the washbasin in its operative position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the unit with the bathtub in its operative position;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section taken through the bathtub;

FIG. 6 is a transverse section taken through the bathtub and the cabinet;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the bathtub; and

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of another embodiment of the storage unit, the unit in FIG. 8A being shown with the bathtub folded away, and in FIG. 83 with the wash-basin folded away.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a storage unit in accordance with the invention, which unit includes an upright cabinet of rectangular form for storing a collapsed bathtub 11 and a wash-basin 12. These facilities, when not in use, are concealed by a flexible overhead door 13 having a handle 13A. The cabinet may be constructed of wood, metal or a suitable plastic paneling material.

Door 13 may be partly raised to provide access only to wash-basin 12, as shown in FIG. 3, which lies within a bottom compartment below cabinet partition 14, or it may be fully raised to provide access to bathtub 11 lying within an intermediate cabinet compartment below cabinet partition 15. When door 13 is fully raised, it rolls in to occupy a position behind the wash-basin and bathtub against the rear wall of cabinet 10. While the bathtub is shown in the intermediate compartment, the unit may be alternatively arranged to have the bathtub in the lower-most compartment, with the wash-basin in the intermediate compartment.

The upper compartment of the cabinet above partition 15 is provided with a sliding door 16 which, when open, exposes a portable shower head 17 coupled to a flexible water supply coil 18 and a traveling water console 19 which is slidable up and down along a vertical track 20 and is coupled to a flexible water line 21, as shown in FIG. 3. Console 19 preferably is of the type adapted to supply hot or cold water out of a single faucet, under the control of a single knob. Console 19 is shown in FIG. 2 in its elevated or inactive position, and in FIGS. 3 and 4 in its lowered position to supply water to the wash-basin or to the bathtub in their respective operative positions.

Wash-basin 12 is formed of a flexible plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride or any other high-strength thermoplastic material, and is mounted on a counter or dressing table 22 serving as a frame therefor. The inner edge of table 22 is supported on a hinged, retractable bracket 23 having foldable arms, whereby when the washbasin is stored, the table occupies a vertical position across the bottom compartment of the cabinet.

Pivotally attached to the outer edge of counter 22 are foldable legs 24. The legs, when erected. are securely held in place by removable cross-pieces 25. In its operative position, the wash-basin is disposed directly below the lowered water console 19, the basin having a flexible drain pipe 26 which passes into the cabinet for connection to a drain outlet (not shown). To retract the wash-basin, cross-pieces are removed, legs 24 are swung under the counter 22, and the arms of hinged bracket 23 are folded to permit the counter and the wash-basin to lie within the lower compartment.

Bathtub 11, as best seen in FIG. 4, is peripherally mounted within a rigid oval frame 27, pivotally supported on a gimbal 28 which is secured to a bracket 29 hinged to the cabinet. Hingedly connected to the front end of gimbal 28 is an arched piece 30 serving as the support legs for the bathtub, the legs swinging in against the rim of the tub when the tub is to be stored.

Bathtub 11, as best seen in FIGS. 5 to 7, is constituted by suitably contoured inner and outer skins or layers 31 and 32 of flexible plastic sheet material of high strength, such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, Mylar or other thermoplastic material, between which is interposed a relatively thick layer 33 of padding material, preferably in the form of foamed plastic material such as polyurethane foam. The padding or upholstery layer 33 is thickest at the base of the tub and tapers toward the rim. Thus, unlike conventional tubs, the occupant of the tub is cushioned therein and, even if he falls within the tub, he will not be injured thereby. While the upholstered tub is shown as part of the storage unit, it will be appreciated that it may be used separately as a safety liner for an existing rigid tub.

Tub 11 is provided with a drain pipe 34 which communicates with the bottom of the tub, and an overflow pipe 35 which links the upper zone of the tub to the drain pipe, both pipes being of flexible plastic tubing. Thus all plumbing in the system is flexible. The cabinet is provided at the rear or side with a water coupler (not shown) connected to console water pipe 21 and to shower head 17, and a drain coupler connected to drain lines 26 and 34, whereby the unit may be readily coupled to available water and drain lines. In practice, the cabinet may be mounted on casters to permit it to be wheeled to any desired site.

In the simplified arrangement shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the storage cabinet 36 has only a single compartment into which the collapsible bathtub 11 is foldable behind a removable door 37, whereas wash-basin 12 on counter 22 is hinged to the top of the cabinet. Water is supplied to washbasin 12 by console 19 when in its uppermost position, the console being shiftable downwardly through an opening in the counter to a lowered position at which it is then capable of supplying water to the extended wash tub. It will be seen that towel brackets and shelves are mounted on the rear wall of the cabinet behind the tub. When the tub is in use, counter 22 is raised and door 37 lies thereagainst.

While there has been shown a preferred embodiment of the bathtub and wash-basin assembly of the invention, it will be appreciated that many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essential spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A compact washing facility comprising (A) a storage cabinet,

(B) a traveling water console supported for movement in said cabinet from a first position to a second position,

(C) a collapsible bathtub formed of flexible plastic material, the rim of the tub being held within an annular frame secured to a retractable bracket whereby the bathtub in its collapsed state may be stored in said cabinet or withdrawn therefrom and erected to receive water from the console in said first position, and

(D) a wash-basin assembly constituted by a wash-basin formed of flexible plastic material and supported within a counter which is retractable with respect to the cabinet; the counter, when extended, positioning the wash-basin to receive water from said console in its second position.

2. A compact washing facility comprising:

(A) an upright cabinet divided into an upper compartment, an intermediate and a lower compartment,

(B) a traveling water console movable within the cabinet from the upper compartment to a lowered position,

(C) a bathtub assembly disposed in one of the other compartments and constituted by a bathtub formed of flexible plastic material, the rim of the tub being held within an annular frame secured to a retractable bracket whereby the bathtub in its collapsed state may be stored in said other compartment or withdrawn therefrom and erected to receive water from the lowered console, and

(D) a wash-basin assembly disposed in the remaining compartment and constituted by a wash-basin. formed of flexible plastic material and supported within a counter frame secured to a retractable bracket whereby the wash-basin in its collapsed state may be stored in said remaining compartment or withdrawn therefrom and erected to receive water from the lowered console.

3. A facility as set forth in claim 2, further including an overhead door in said cabinet adapted to conceal the intermediate and lower compartments thereof, the door when fully raised occupying a position behind the bathtub and wash-basin against the rear wall of the cabinet.

4. A facility as set forth in claim 2. wherein said upper compartment is provided with a portable shower head.

5. A facility as set forth in claim 2, wherein said upper compartment is concealed by a sliding door which when opened exposes said console.

6. A facility as set forth in claim 2, wherein said annular frame is pivotally mounted on a gimbal which is secured to said retractable bracket of the bathtub assembly.

7. A facility as set forth in claim 2, wherein said bathtub is constituted by inner and outer layers of plastic sheeting between which is interposed a padding layer of foamed plastic material.

8. A facility as set forth in claim 2, wherein said bathtub and wash-basin are provided with flexible drain pipes.

9. A cushioned bathtub assembly, comprising a sheet of flexible material adapted to hold Water, and a resilient layer beneath the flexible sheet to provide a padding.

10. An assembly according to claim 9, including a second flexible sheet attached to the first-mentioned flexible sheet with a space therebetween to constitute the resilient layer.

11. An assembly according to claim 10, in which a foamed plastic material is interposed between said two sheets.

12. An assembly according to claim 10, in which the flexible sheets are of plastic material.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 898,598 9/ 1908 Pattinson 4-176 1,367,896 2/1921 Simpson 4-176 1,510,596 10/1924 Kennedy 4-177 X 1,724,479 8/ 1929 Havaner 4-176 1,767,800 6/1930 Kennedy et a1. 4'-l77 X 2,715,736 8/1955 Pearlson 4-177 2,719,306 10/1955 Levitt 4-177 A 3,094,711 6/1963 Kentes 4-176 3,130,420 4/1964 Colucci 4-4 HENRY K. ARTIS, Primary Examiner 

